NOAA tech. memo. NMFS-F/SPO 77

National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS)

"The paper identifies a possible mechanism of how this might occur: the RMES could be carried out via subordinate Regional Marine Ecosystem Implementation Plans (RMEIPs) created by management agencies using their existing authorities within each sector. For example, based on the goals and objectives in the RMES, subsequent implementation of FEPs and regulations would be the responsibility of Regional Fishery Management Councils and NOAA. The implementation plans would contain prescriptive actions to achieve the objectives, align with the RMES, and include quantifiable measures to monitor performance. The process is scaleable for different levels of governance, from RMESs for the nation's large marine ecosystems (LMEs) (Sherman, 1994) to any of the smaller nested ecosystem units that comprise them. The proposed process draws on international and national ecosystem principles and mandates, and experience in the science and stewardship of coastal and marine resources"--Executive summary.